In the example below we will create a parametric "Column style" from a Grasshopper definition.

1. Grasshopper definition setup

Type Grasshopper in the Rhino Command line to launch Grasshopper.

In order to use a Grasshopper definition for creating a VisualARQ object, you need:

1. Input parameters:The input parameters are the values that will define the features of the resulting object. Input parameters can be Geometric data, Numeric values, Value Lists, Boolean toggles or Texts.

2. Output Param Components:Output params are those components that will be read by VisualARQ as the different parts (components) of an object style.

In the example below we will create a parametric "Column style" from the following Grasshopper definition. It's a simple column with a circular profile that will be defined with the following parameters:

Height

Bottom Radius

Top Radius

Example of a definition that generates a Column

2. Create the VisualARQ object style

The Grasshopper styles are created and managed from the Style Properties dialog for each one of the following objects: Beam, Column, Window, Door, Opening, Stair, Railing, Slab, Roof, Furniture, Element and Annotation.

2.1: Create the new style

Assuming the Grasshopper definition (.gh file) is already done, open the object styles dialog of the desired object type: vaColumnStyles.

Click on the New... button and select the Grasshopper style option.

The Grasshopper Style wizard will appear. This wizard will guide you through the steps to define the Grasshopper style parameters. The left side of the wizard shows a preview of the object style generated as soon as the required information is completed.

2.2: Open the Grasshopper definition

Click on the Browse button to select the .gh file created before.

2.3: Configuration

Set the Grasshopper style global values:

Style name

Definition units

Insert point, path or profile curves (read below).

Depending on the object type and the input parameters, this step may require to specify the point or curve detected in the definition to perform as the object insert point, the object path curve, or the object profile.

Insert point: for the Column, Furniture, Element and Annotation objects. If the None option is selected, the insert point of the object is referenced from the Origin coordinates (0,0,0) in the Grasshopper definition.

Path curve: for the Beam and Railing objects.

Profile: for the Window, Door and Opening objects. When the Auto option is selected, the bounding box of the dynamic block will perform as the cutting volume when this object is inserted in a wall.

2.4: Geometry

Specify which of the geometry blocks to import into VisualARQ. The names of these Geometry blocks are taken from the name of the Geometry Params in the Grasshopper definition.

Each component can be assigned to a different representation:

Model: object representation in 3D.

Plan: object representation in plan views when the Cut Plane of the level where the object is situated is enabled.

Note 1: When all components are assigned to the Model representation, the 2D representation will be taken from the real section of the object according to the level cut plane height where the object is situated.

Note 2: When all components are assigned to the Plan representation, the object will hide from 3D views.

2.5: Parameters

This step shows the list of input parameters that define the object style. These parameters can be numeric values or referenced geometry in the Grasshopper definition. Choose which of these parameters you want to import to VisualARQ and their settings:

Editable by:

Definition: the parameter will be hidden in the VisualARQ style and properties dialogs.

Object: the parameter can be edited separately for each element with that style in the model. However, parameters editable "by object" can also take the value defined "by style".

Style: the parameter can be edited by style, so the changes will apply to all elements with that style.

Default: shows the default value. Unreferenced geometry will show up in red color. You will need to click on the button and pick the object in Rhino before moving forward.

Type: shows the different types of values.

The list of parameters displayed can be filtered by groups, in case they are located inside groups in the Grasshopper definition.

You can change the Editable by and Type settings at once from a multiple selection of parameters.

3. Insert and edit a VisualARQ object created from a Grasshopper style

3.1 Edit the style

Once the grasshopper style wizard is completed, the new style will appear in the object styles list. To edit the style again, right-click on the style name to open the context menu and select Edit. This operation will open the Grasshopper style wizard again.

3.2 Insert the Grasshopper style

Once the object style is created, you will be able to insert it in the model and change its parameters in the VisualARQ Properties section (in Rhino Properties
Panel, as any other regular VisualARQ object). Only those input parameters editable "by Object" will appear in the Properties panel.